Cave Bear Mountain by Jo Sandhu

Author:Jo Sandhu
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9781760143169
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Fredik and the men were still in the cave.

‘They will give the bear sweet berries and tender roots,’ Vas said in a soft voice. ‘Then lead it carefully up the steps, one by one, all the time singing songs and giving treats, and poor karhu, poor honey paw, will go with them willingly, because all his life he has known only comfort and pleasure.’ He motioned to the boys. ‘You stay here while Kaija and I find your packs. We will meet back here to rescue your wolves, do not fear.’

The sun was setting as the bear was led out of the cave, still tied by a rope around his neck. Tonight, the sky would darken for a short while, just long enough for the stars to shine. According to Vas, the bear would be sent to the Spirit World as First Light approached, but for now, the bear was happy to amble after his keepers. The women and children applauded and called him sweet names – Honey Eater, Rough Fur and Dark Eyes. Some of the braver young men rushed forward to touch the beast, who did nothing but turn sleepy eyes upon them and look for the next treat.

Tarin, Luuka and Sasha crouched in the shadow of the rocks and watched.

‘The wolves are in the last hut,’ Sasha whispered. His eyes grew wide as the bear stood up to its full height. It towered over the men and rumbled deep in his throat when a treat wasn’t given. A young man darted forward, holding a tuber just out of reach. The bear lunged for it and his fur rippled like dark water.

‘I have never seen a Bear Festival before,’ Sasha said. ‘My father has. He says they can last all night, especially if the fight is a good one. Sometimes the bear kills the wolves fast, and sometimes the bear doesn’t want to fight at all, so they stick him with spears to make him angry. My father says it is to tire the bear out, so they can kill him. One time, my father saw the bear kill a man. He wrapped his arms around him and squeezed.’

‘Your father says you talk too much,’ Vas whispered as he came up behind them. ‘I have left Kaija with your packs. We can spare some food for you and we have filled your water flasks.’

Luuka gripped Vas’s hand. ‘My thanks,’ he said. ‘Our thanks.’

The bear roared and Fredik only just managed to dance away from its outstretched arms. He had darted in close to kiss the bear, to show his bravery as leader of the Karvkh.

‘Now is our chance. While the Ch’lam, the Spirit Keeper, blesses the bear,’ said Vas. ‘Then the young men must dress poor karhu in feathers and beads. When we hear the drums – that is when the procession shall start.’

They bent low and followed Vas, darting from shadow to shadow. Behind them, cheers and gasps accompanied the men’s efforts to dress the bear. The fires flamed, the girls and women danced, and the men grew braver and braver.

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